Flint Police Work 12-Hour Shifts; Union Objects

FLINT (AP) – Police officers in Flint are working 12-hour shifts as part of a plan to improve public safety.

City leaders say the change makes police operations more efficient. The Flint Journal reports, however, that the union representing officers is fighting the move. Union President Kevin Smith says there’s worry that officers will be fatigued. He says they’re already overwhelmed with calls.

Chief Alvern Lock says the longer shifts haven’t posed any patrol problems since being implemented Sunday. He says extra time off that officers get makes up for the longer hours.

Flint police worked 12-hour shifts in 2010 on a trial basis, but switched back to 8-hour shifts after union objections. Officials said at the time that move helped cut overtime costs.